Through the Eyes of a Soldier

As an Israeli soldier disturbing the daily routines of Arabs, I began to question the validity of what I was doing. It didn't take long for me to find the answers.

The almost daily depiction in the media of the so-called "Israeli aggression" and the dramatic pictures of Palestinian suffering with children being carried away on stretchers and hordes of teenagers throwing rocks force us to ask: Why are these people suffering?

Serving in the Paratroopers unit (Tzanhaniim) of the Israeli Army for the past year and half in Nablus (Shechem) and Ramallah has given me a first hand glimpse into the underlying causes of the conflict, a perspective not commonly portrayed by the world media.

After completing eight months of intensive training, my unit's first assignment was in Nablus. As we moved into our new domain in armored vehicles with tank support, I was somewhat surprised to see the esthetic beauty of the city. Overlooking the city are two biblical mountains, Har Aval and Har Grizim. On the outskirts of the city lay remnants of impressive houses and cars. Before the first surge in violence in 2000, Nablus was the financial hub of the Palestinian Authority (PA). It has since been transformed into a terrorist hub that has reduced the city into ruins. According to intelligence reports, a majority of all terrorist attacks coming from the West Bank had some connection to Nablus.

We could see the full scope of decay engulfing the city -- roads completely destroyed by tank and armored carrier movement, buildings hollowed from weapons fire. We directed our operations from inside an Arab house on the northern border of the town close to the refugee camps Askra Yeshan and Askra Hadash, relocating the Arab occupants to the basement apartment. Our immediate mission was to enforce the curfew imposed on the area in order to prevent the smuggling and movement of bombs, bomb making equipment, and terrorists. The main methods used to carry out our objective were to establish check points in various parts of Nablus and to conduct raids and patrols at night.

"Afpteh al Jaket afptheh vkies" -- (lift up your shirt and open your bags)", I shouted in Arabic during one of my first times manning a checkpost. "Taal! Taal! (approach)," I yelled out to the Palestinian who is waiting with his family at the check post to cross into Nablus. The man told me he and his family were going to the doctors located in Nablus, a common response at the checkpost. He showed me a two-year-old prescription written in Arabic and English that stated he has foot problems, as he professed to me that he was suffering from serious heart problems.

"Afsterig (closed)," no crossing today, I explained to him, because there was a general warning in the region.

"When will it be open?"

"No idea," I responded as he turned in dismay and walked home with his family. As the family walked away from me, I could not hold back from feelings of guilt in disturbing these people's lives. After conducting searches of every man, woman, and child and making them wait in long lines and disturbing their daily routines, I began to question the validity of disrupting the lives of civilians. It didn't take long for me to find the answers.

A group of four heavily armed terrorists were in the refugee camp, en route to commit a terrorist attack in one of the bordering Jewish towns.

That night, as we were sitting down to eat dinner in the Arab house, the communications officer ran into the kitchen and yelled out "Hakpatzah emet! -- a real emergency!" I was on the emergency team that night, so five soldiers and I abruptly dropped our food, put on our equipment, and jumped into the armed carrier. We sped off in the direction of the Askra Yeshan refugee camp with an armed Hummer following us and a tank leading the way.

We had confirmed information that a group of four heavily armed terrorists were in the refugee camp, en route to commit a terrorist attack in one of the bordering Jewish towns.

We rode through the camp with the hatch of the carrier open. I was leaning out with my heavy caliber machine gun primed, waiting for the order to shoot. While pursing the terrorists through the refugee camp, we were pelted with rocks, and a Molotov cocktail narrowly avoided the Hummer.

Many thoughts and emotions flowed through my mind. If we miss these armed terrorists, many Jewish lives will be lost… How many people injured? Families ruined? I recited passages from Psalms while leaning out the vehicle and continuing to look and wait. In the end we didn't find the terrorists, but, thank God, the local patrol of the town tracked them down and killed them.

On one mission in Ramallah, after the first attempt on Shiek Ahmed Yassin's life failed, my unit had gone on full alert expecting a retaliatory attack from Hamas. A group of Hamas terrorists were planning a suicide attack inside the green line (Israel proper). We had specific information of who the lead terrorist was but his exact whereabouts where unknown.

We conducted house to house searches throughout the night with no success. A few days later, the news over the radio reported that there had been suicide bomber who had blown himself up in a cafe in Jerusalem. In the attack, seven people were killed including Dr. Appelbaum and his daughter, Nava, who was to be married the next day. The suicide bomber was a 'student' at Bir Ziet University, close to the area that we had conducted searches. He seemed to fit the profile of the terrorist that we had tried to apprehend.

We were never informed if he was, in fact, the terrorist that we were pursuing. But I cannot remove the contradictory pain of feeling both responsible and helpless. Perhaps if my unit would have been able to capture that bomber on that fateful night, Dr. Appelbaum would have walked his daughter to the chuppa. Instead we accompanied them to their graves.

Their society has chosen violence and destruction, and we have every right and duty to defend ourselves from it.

Yes the Palestinians are suffering; no one denies that fact. But the question as to why they are suffering also has an unequivocal, simple answer. Their leadership and government have chosen terrorism and violence as form of conflict resolution. Their society has chosen to grant idol or martyr status to terrorists who have tried or succeeded in murdering innocent men, women, and children. The choice of terrorism -- or in Islamic fundamentalists terms, Jihad -- has distorted the murdering of innocents into holy acts.

The next time the world media parades pictures of Palestinian suffering, consider the reasons why. Their society has chosen violence and destruction, and we have every right and duty to defend ourselves from it.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Alexander Landa, born in Kiev, Ukraine and grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A Rutgers University graduate and a former Wall Street analyst. He served as a Paratrooper (tzanchanim) from Aug 2002 to Jan 2004 in Ramallah, Shechem, and Gaza. Alex and his unit were recently deployed in Lebanon for active duty where they faced extensive combat. He is currently studying in Jerusalem where he lives with his wife and daughter.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 14

(14)
Michael F.,
August 10, 2004 12:00 AM

Your life......

I assume from the by-line that you are still alive. What scares me is that you seem to have bought into the same type of fanaticism that the terrorists/islamic fundamentalist preaches, namely that everyone in Israel is evil, that the US is evil and that the only way to win is to eradicate their entire society. How else to you explain such generalizations as "Their leadership" and "Their society"?

(13)
Delia,
June 15, 2004 12:00 AM

you are very right,may G-D protect you

(12)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2004 12:00 AM

Excellent article, it is such a change to read facts instead of a newspaperman's distortion of events affecting the downtroden Palestinians.
It showed heart as well as the reality of the miserable situation for both the soldiers & innocent Palestinians. I say innocent Palestinians because they are too afraid to speak out and those that do are murdered. I look forward to more informative articles such as these.

(11)
Alexander Landa,
June 11, 2004 12:00 AM

Response to Ms. Robin Alexander

Dear Ms. Robin Alexander,
Your question, I believe is one of the essential parts in understanding the conflict and one which I tried to portray in my article. In essence the question is why can't we take action against the 'terrorist' without disturbing the life of innocent people who are not themselves directly involved in terror.
The question has to be dealt with both in practice and in theory. In theory the Israeli Army plays a balancing act of trying to limit the amount of disruption to daily life of
the average Palestinian in relation to the security needs. On a general basis, the checkpost are open for Palestinians to move freely except for heightened warnings of attacks or weapons smuggling. However, even in the case where there are heightened warnings of attack 'Humanitarian' cases and women and children are allowed to move freely. The nature of the checkpost is not necessarily to catch the terrorists. (In very rare instances does the terrorist actually try to pass at a checkpost, although it has happened). The checkpost is to make the terrorists movements difficult, in order to keep them confined in one area so that we can capture them with other means.
(Humanitarian are classified medical personal, teachers, and UN) The incident of the checkpost which I related in my story was at a time of heightened risk of attack.
Practically speaking the average Palestinians lives are being disrupted. It is militarily infeasible to separate between terrorists and civilians. A likely scenario is that a terrorist will may try to pass the checkpost unarmed with a family of women and children, and once he passes arm himself in another area. However, the average Palestinian doesn’t go with out blame. Each individual Palestinian contributes and makes up part of his society. Palestinian society has society has chosen to grant idol or martyr status to terrorists. Any society that grants superstar status to murders of innocent people is a sick society, and we have the right and duty to defend ourselves from them.
Alexander Landa

(10)
Robin Alexander,
June 10, 2004 12:00 AM

I am confused

Kol hakavod to the author for serving in the army and seeking to thwart terrorism.

However, I must respectfully ask: how does keeping a Palestinian family (old prescription or no) from going to the doctor protect Israelis from terrorist attacks? In addition, if the family members were searched (both person and bags) and were found not to have weapons on them, how is allowing them to enter Nablus a terrorist risk? If the soldier was not planning to let them pass, why search them at all? I am truly puzzled.

(9)
Anonymous,
June 10, 2004 12:00 AM

It is the fact that arabs are terrorists

Mr.Landa u have mention a very importent side of arabs live.They kill
jews in order to go to the heaven as they believe.arabs have chosen a very terrible routine toward Israel.
Israel never want to attack them but
they force Israel to does.
I saw arabs make the celebration when they kill jews and we can underestand
their inferiority from this.
I WISH ALL THE ISRAEL SOLDIER BE IN
SHALOM AND THE LORD BLESS ALL OF THEM.
SHALOM ON ISRAEL THE HEART OF EART.

(8)
Beverly Kurtin,
June 9, 2004 12:00 AM

Israel doesn't issue death warrants

Recently, someone was asked why it was okay to take pot shots at Israel while ignoring what was happening in the Arab world. They replied, “because the Israelis don’t issue death warrants as do the Arabs.”

The quote isn’t precisely what was said, but it’s close enough.

The “media,” if they accurately reported on the so-called Palestinians would find themselves targets for death, or worse.

It is refreshing to read an article that was written by someone who has actually seen what is going on; I’m tired of reading lies.

I pray this brave soldier will live to see peace in Israel.

(7)
Pearl Murray,
June 7, 2004 12:00 AM

Unwarranted condemnation of Israel

I found the article by Alan Dershowitz very helpful indeed in bringing to light the misguided and harmful condemnation of Israel by Human Rights groups, churches etc.
I have just visited a display which Dundee, a city 'twinned' with Nablus, has mounted, and the bias towards the'suffering' of the Palestinians was very evident, as was the complete lack of comment on reasons, historical, political or religious, why Israel has the right to defend herself.
That a 'Palestinian' flag was displayed next to the Scottish Saltire filled me with shame.
It is so difficult to bring reason into the picture of the conflict, as so many people are totally swayed by media reports which encourage sympathy for the suffering of the Palestinians without any reference to the complex reasons behind this. Very rarely do we hear of the deaths, and the lasting, and devastating injuries, of the Israelis. Nor do we hear of their suffering caused by the continuing cost of defence, and the decline in tourism. That they live daily in fear of terrorist attacks seems also to escape the notice of so many 'well-meaning' groups and individuals.

(6)
Peter Walters,
June 7, 2004 12:00 AM

A very helpful and timely article

Mr Landa has given us an article that combines a soldier's determination to do his duty to his country with a Jew's sensitivity to the plight of others. To be the instrument that oppresses the civilian population must be very difficult for a Jew, but this is overuled by the need to protect fellow Jews. Col ha cavod to Mr Landa and his comrades who have to negotiate this difficult task without losing their human decency.

(5)
Judy Bennett,
June 7, 2004 12:00 AM

RE: Alex Landa's Story

Just a note to say how much I enjoyed this article. I have been throught Shechem on a prayer journey and know the vices it hold against my Israeli brothers and sisters. I commend you for your job well done in the IDF!

(4)
Fay Poliak,
June 6, 2004 12:00 AM

How poignantly written- should be published in the worldwide national press.

The devastating effect that this conflict is having on everyone in the region is movingly described by this thoughtful, compassionate writer. This should be disseminated in the Western media to hightlight the commitment of decent Israelis to ensuring their own survival.

(3)
Anonymous,
June 6, 2004 12:00 AM

Perfect. Too Bad the World Won't Believe it.

Truthfully written articles are not going to be believed by people that could care less about the truth.

(2)
Alex Herzog,
June 6, 2004 12:00 AM

An insiders view

What a great insight Alexander has given on the fright and frustrations an Israeli soldier experiences. Well said and well written! Please write again soon on your next time off-duty.

(1)
galia,
June 6, 2004 12:00 AM

Amen!

May HaShem grant you and your fellow soldiers a safe return to your families and friends.

I have had a very difficult life, beset by illness, unemployment, and disappointment from those who had pledged to care for me. I am having trouble seeing the benevolent God in all this. What do you say, rabbi?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

I am very sorry to hear about the difficult times that you have had to endure. The trials that you have gone through no doubt have obviously made your relationship to God a difficult one. I can understand why.

As a rabbi, I have witnessed the most horrendous situations imaginable. I have experienced a 20-year-old who lost both of her parents in a car crash. Can you imagine a girl so close to her parents and in one day they're gone? I've lived through a husband coming home to find that his wife has collapsed, and in two days she's dead. There was nothing wrong with her before. And on and on and on.

When someone is in the midst of suffering, that's not the time to offer answers. It's a time to listen and empathize and be with the person as best you can. If there's anyone going through a painful time and is looking for a sense of relief, I am skeptical whether these intellectual answers will offer any kind of relief.

Dealing with pain and suffering is never easy, particularly since we often feel so helpless and out of control. But one thing we do have control over and that is our attitude. Try to stick to this 3-part formula:

1) Look for the positive side to things.

2) Try not to judge God, Who knows more than we do.

3) Ask God for the clarity to understand how this is for the best.

Our perceptions of good and evil are directly related to our understanding of the world. An African tribesman who never saw a hypodermic syringe in his life could think upon seeing a doctor inoculate a child that the doctor was actually trying to hurt the child! Our perceptions change with information.

Therefore the Jewish approach to "suffering" is that everything happens for the good, but since we are finite and cannot see the whole picture, we perceive some things as bad.

God has more information than we do; thus we cannot judge Him and say He is doing something bad. We trust God and say, "I haven't yet figured out why, but God knows this is for the best."

The Talmud tells the story of Rebbe Akiva who was traveling on the road late one night. His only source of light, a candle, blew out; his mode of transportation, a donkey, ran away; and his only source of food, a chicken, died. The next morning Rebbe Akiva realized that armed bandits had plundered everything in the area. Had they seen his candle, or heard his chicken or donkey, they would have victimized him as well.

We can accept pain and suffering in the world by trying to see what positive side it may have. For example, a woman whose child was killed by a drunk driver went out and started MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This organization was responsible for revolutionizing the laws against drunk driving in America, and as a result has surely saved thousands of lives. It could be said that the purpose of this child was to elevate his mother to the towering heights of greatness that she indeed achieved as a result of the tragedy.

Of course it is not always easy to find the positive side. But even the attempt helps tremendously. It is interesting that if we look back on our own lives, the times we have grown the most are not when things have gone easy, but when they've been difficult. So many times what appears as "bad" or "negative" ends up being a blessing. A person could lose their job, for example, only to realize later that was the opportunity they needed to break into a growing, new field!

In the meanwhile, we have invested so much time and energy into worrying or regretting - all for nothing and all to our detriment. It is wise to remember that worry is defined as "interest paid in advance on a debt which often times never comes due." So when we are having problems, we can ask ourselves, "What have I learned or gained?"

Also, there are two excellent books I can recommend: "Why me, God?" by Lisa Aiken (published by Aaronson), and "Confronting the Loss of a Baby," by Yamin Levy (Ktav).

In 1973, a cease-fire resolution was passed by the U.N. Security Council to halt the Yom Kippur War. Shuttle diplomacy by Henry Kissinger compelled Israel and Egypt to accept the cease-fire. Fighting, however, would continue for another four days. In the war, Israel suffered the loss of 2,600 soldiers and 800 tanks. Four years later, Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat would visit Jerusalem and announce his readiness to forge a permanent peace deal.

I told a group of people to repeat, "I am grateful to my Creator" five minutes each day for a month. Some of the results were:

* "At first I found it difficult to keep this up. This gave me a jolt. The Creator is giving me life each moment of each day and He gives me the air I breathe. Why is it so hard for me to express my gratitude? This self-rebuke gave me a strong feeling of motivation. I was committed to use the power of repeating messages to myself to build up this gratitude.

* "I realized that I would only be able to repeat this for five minutes at a time if I would sing it with a tune. So I would sing this five minutes each day. It became my favorite song.

* "The first day when I heard this, I found myself having to wait for something to start. I began to feel frustrated. Then I said to myself, ‘This is a perfect time to repeat, "I am grateful to my Creator" for five minutes.' It totally transformed the waiting into an uplifting experience. Throughout the month, I chose potentially frustrating moments to practice this. After a while, the stirrings of feelings of frustration became a trigger to begin my exercise."

* "Someone saw me smiling while I was waiting in line at my local supermarket. He asked me if anything special is going on in my life. "There are a lot of special things that I'm beginning to become more aware of," I replied.

* "By repeating, ‘I am grateful to my Creator,' I began to realize that everyone who is kind to me in any way was sent to me by my Creator. I increased my gratitude towards those people and I increased my gratitude to the Creator of it all."

May He Who knows what is hidden accept our call for help and listen to our cry (Siddur).

The Talmud states that a person may be coerced to perform a mitzvah even if it is required that the mitzvah be done of one's own volition (Rosh Hashanah 6a).

But are not coercion and volition mutually exclusive? Not necessarily, explains Rambam. Inasmuch as the soul of the Jew intrinsically wishes to do the Divine will, and it is only the physical self - which is subject to temptation - that may be resistive, the coercion inflicted upon the person overcomes that external resistance. Thus, when one performs the mitzvah, it is with the full volition of the inner self, the true self, for at his core, every Jew wishes to comply with the mandates of the Torah.

There is a hidden part of us, to which we may have limited access, yet we know it is there. When we pray for our needs, said Rabbi Uri of Strelisk, we generally ask only for that which we feel ourselves to be lacking. However, we must also recognize that our soul has spiritual needs, and that we may not be aware of its cravings.

We therefore pray, said Rabbi Uri, that God should listen not only to the requests that we verbalize, but also to our hidden needs that are very important to us - but which He knows much better than we.

Today I shall...

try to realize that there is a part of me of which I am only vaguely aware. I must try to get to know that part of myself, because it is my very essence.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...